Overload release for load actuator



1952 J. M. LAUNDER OVERLOAD RELEASE FOR LOAD ACTUATOR 2 SHEETSSHEET 1 Filed Dec. 26, 1947 JNVENTOR.

James M. Launder BY Law/M17 ATTORNEYS trolled, electrically-actuated the load is actuated thereby. 1

, Patented Oct. 21, 1952 UNITED-L-ISTATE'S PATENT OFFICE ittl 1,672" J 1 v ovlmnoimltspnass 'FOR LOAD ACTUATOR James Mark Launder, Toledo, Ohio,- :assignor to The Electric a corporation of Ohio Application December 26, 19a; serialno. 794,070

This invention relates to load actuating mechanisms and particularly to-a-power-driven load actuator operableto transfer"'-force or torque source of powerror prime mover. tionhas a wide field of a plication for i-operat ing a load from one selected position intoanother; and is particularly adapted foruse in operating component parts of automotive vehicles and aircraft, as well as-limiting the amount or torque transmitted to an output shaftirom 1, The invention also includes'a driving member having a driving connectionwith a driven member for moving a load, saidmembers" being capable of relative longitudinal -movement when the. load exceeds a predetermined amount or a predetermined resistance is offeredto the move ment of the load to thereby cause the interruption of the driving connection therebetw'een; as well asto automatically reestablish said connection when the load or resistance to its move'.

ment is decreased to a selected amount. a

' The invention embraces :a' self-containedload actuating unit including a reversible source of power or motor for operating, an output member through a clutch controlled by a mechanism operable when the load exceeds a predetermined value, which value may be the same or ofdifferent amounts for either direction, for breaking and reestablishing the operating connection between the source of power and the outputmem The invention comprehendsa remotely-conload responsive mechanism having having meansoperable to. break and reestablish a driving connection-between. a prime mover and a load-moving member in accordance with a predetermined load or in response to a predetermined resistance ofiered to the movement of the load by themoving memher, the mechanism inclusive of an electric motor provided with a short, free-running period before The invention comprises a'positive driving connection between an electric jgmotor and an output member which isrendered inactivewh enf the load exceeds a predetermin'ed"amount, so

ie Claims, (01. 192- 150) Auto-LiteOompany, Toledo, Ohio,

' that overloading or stopping of the motor is "up to a predetermined amount, from asuitable The invenload reaction, it being necessary for the operator avoided thereby, eliminating the useof safety switches, as the motor in such event operates under practically no load. Moreover, the said driving connectionautomatically becomes effective when the load is decreased to the selected pre-determined amount, thus providing a foolproof, remotely-controlled load actuating unit with which the presence'of an-attendant is not required for initiating or resetting its operation after overloads;

. The invention contemplates a load actuator remotely controlled comprising a reversible electric motor for operating an output member through a 'self energizingclutch, the latter controlled by a member which is shiftable when a predeterminedreaction for actuating the load.

takes place, thereby interrupting and reestablishing the clutching action of the self-energiaing spring in accordance with a predetermined to merely operate an electric switch to move the load at will.

The invention is concerned with a power-- operated: screw type load actuator in which thread-jamming is'eliminated as the load on the threads is limited to a selected value while the breakaway-torque of the power means or primev mover is not limited in any way.

. One object of the invention is to provide a self-contained?tpower-operated unit for moving a load between predetermined stations or positi'ons, including means when the load reaches an obstruction or the end of the selected position, whereby the-connection between the power and the load .is automatically interrupted and a predetermined force is maintained to retain the, load in said position even after the power actuating said unit is disconnected Another object of the invention is the provision of aspring preloaded member operatively-connected to an electric motor for moving a load to and from selected positions, including means operable for interrupting the connectionof the motor and load-moving member in response to a'predetermined-selected resistance to the 'movegaining thereby more momentum or kinetic ene I ergy of rotation for moving said load. 7

Another object of the invention is to provide a load actuating mechanism comprising a reversible electric motor for operating a longitudinally movable screw shaft by a driving con- 7 nection operable for rotating the shaft in either direction, and a nut threaded .on said shaft for longitudinal movement with respect thereto in response to the rotation of said shaft for mov: ing a load to and from selectedposition, the

shaft being operable when resistance to the movement of the load exceeds different predetermined values for either directions to move longitudinally and break the driving connection of the shaft with the motor and interrupt further movement of said load. a

Another object of the invention is to provide a driving connection between a rotatable power driving member and a torquetransmitting memand load-moving member, thus preventing the jamming of the threads which takesplace under such conditions in conventional screwtype force transmitting connections.

Another object of the invention is to provide a power-operated member for moving a load to and from a selected point, the drivingconnection including a snubbing spring operable as a clutch in either direction and a screw-type force-transmitting connection, the arrangement being such that when the load-moving member reaches the allowableend of travel in either direction, the clutch action of the snubbing spring is automatically interrupted and jammingofthe screw-type force-transmittingconnection is prevented.

Another object of the inventionis the provision in a reciprocating power-operated load actuator of a single snubbing spirally-wound spring acting as a one-way clutch to effect thereby a positive driving connection between the power means and the load actuating member irrespective of the direction of rotation of the power means, the single spring operable, to render the driving connection ineffective under selected conditions.

Another object of the invention is to. provide a spirally-wound clutch sprin having convolutions in a slight frictional engagement with either the driving or driven member to produce a clutching engagement therebetween irrespective of the direction of rotation and operable to produce the de-clutching engagement of said members when overloads take place irrespective of the direction of rotation of the driving member.

Other objects and advantages of this invention relating to the arrangement, operation and function of the related elements of the structure, to various details of construction, to combinations of parts and to economies of manufacture,

, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following description and appended claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein-like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

I. Referring to the drawings:

Fig. I is an elevational view with a portion broken away to show an embodiment of the load actuator of the invention set for action when the motor rotates moving the belt as indicated by the arrow;

Fig. IIisa fragmentary elevational view show-'- ing in another; position the driving connection of the device of the invention when the motor is rotated in a direction opposite to the one shown in Fig. I.

Fig, III is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating the modification of the means responsive to' direction of rotationfor the driving connection; r

Fig. IV is anelevational view of parts broken away and in section to show another embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. V is'a view similar to Fig. IV illustrating another form of, the invention.

Referring tothe drawings, and particularly to Fig. I, which shows a preferred form of the selfcontained power-operated load actuator of the invention, the source of power or prime mover may take the form of a motor l0 which may be of any suitable type and capable of being energized from any desirable source of 'power. The motor ill is preferably of the electric reversible type having series characteristics energized from a storagebattery [2 by means of'current-conducting leads l3 and 14. The lead i3 is connected directly to a motor terminal and lead I4 is pref-v erably connected to a reversing switch which may be disposed at a point remote from the unit of the-invention.

The reversing switch shown comprises a conducting blade it, normally in open circuit position, adapted to 'bemoved into engagement with either one of the motor field terminals I! or IE to cause the selective energization of oppositely wound field coils which control the direction of rotation of the series motor and simplify the is also mounted on the support 20. The power-.

transmitting means between the motor shaft 23 and the load actuator driving member 24 is shown in the form of pulleys 26 and 21 directly afiixed to the said members and being interconnected by a belt 29 to cause the rotation of one shaft by the other; However, it is contemplated that the shafts 23 and 24 may be directly connected if desired, as shown in Figs. IV or V.

The driving member, or rotatable shaft 24 of, the load actuator, is -journaled or mounted for rotation on a suitable bearing supported by post 3| shown as being secured to the frame 20 by screws 32 and has an operable driving connection with the driven member 35. The driving,

acme

lBithBBmdiIBCfiOIl of: rotation which has asso ingmember 24.

E'The driving'connection and associated means responsive vto. direction of rotationbetween. the

I .driving'ancl drivenmembers- 24 and 35v are shown inthe forin of a snubbing self-energizing spring -clutch36 mounted for clutching engagementwith I a clutching surface 31 carried by the driven member 35. The spring clutch 36 comprises a plurality of tight 'convolutions' formed-of fiat-:01- rectangular springwire spirally" woundin: a lefthand direction and is provided with projecting means: or integrally-projecting tabs. 38- and 39 at 'each end thereof; Some ofthe convolutions of the spring clutch35 are in slight frictional-com tact or engagement with the clutch surface 31 carried by the member 35 to provide the selfclutching action therewith. V

The clutch surface 31 cooperatingwith the Fig. I, may take theform of a fixed pin 42= and an inclined-slot 43 provided respectively on each of saidmembers. The inclined connection may take the form of suitably threaded connection .42 and 43" between the driven member as asleeve-as shown in Fig. III; he'inclined connection- =43 provides-the spring 36 andits-cooperating clutching surface 31 with positive rotary: movement with the driven member 35-" as well as; limited rotary and longitudinal movement with respect tothe driven and driving members and, .in' turn. to the motor orpower shaft 24, and formsthemeansresponsive to the direction of I rotation of the driving member 24 toeffect its-operative connection withthe driven member 35.

1 In. order to efiect the clutching action of the spring 36on:the clutch surface 31; spring-energizinglmeans are. carried bythe driving member 24s shown in. the formof a tubular section 45 integrallywprojecting from a collar 46' fixedito thesdrivingmember 24 preferably by a tapered pin.4:'l-.. The clutch springv energizing element 45 isipr'ovided with lateral driving-surfaces 48: and

48; vertically disposedior cooperative engagement with-the spring-projecting. tabs 38 or 39. .The

' axial:or longitudinal dimension;of the 'element 4;.5;,is correlated: with the axial. orlongitudinaldimension-or. distance separating the spring! projecting means or tabs 38and;39 and'forbest results is should be-slightly-greater than such dimension: for the purpose hereinafter described inidetail In the, formsshown, the longitudinal dimension of;v the clutch energizing element-4.5: closely-correspondsto thelongitudinal dimensionof; they clutch spring 36 .inc1usive; ofgits project-J n ;-.ende.;Q

Thevspring clutch 36 is held or; co nfined against smeit dina m mentn s eeve 40 between. a 11;, ecting nee- 2; f rm d. ereinwith which th v tab. 38 is inv engagement and asplit retainer or; deta h a her-153 n aging the: spring tab 9w: 9 h t h on t nal; movement of. the. clutch. sprin Wi h'respectto the ,drivingrmemher is dependent upon the effective1axial=length Qfiit fii ilq i fili bl i 3i formed on; slflyflwflu'ii The :-connectioillcontemplatedis;in theformiofia read 'aily ;shiftab1e-:one1-way actuating clutch. operable springclutch- 3.6 constitutes? one. of the means provided for allowing: theelectric motor. with a free-running period. and: to attain. high. velocity and more momentum or kinetic: energy of rotation before: the same isfloaded. by moving the driven member 35-and theload'actuated therebyi The driven member 35is' mounted for relative longitudinal movement with respect. to the. clutch element 45 fixed tonthe driving'member 24' and is formed with a reduced portionproviding' ashoulder 55. engageable' with aradial and thrust bear:- ing 561slidably supported on the upright. 58 fixed to aisupport 20. by screws. 59. The longitudinal movement of=-m'emberr 35 is restrained by the:oppositely actuating. preloaded: resilient means 1 B ll and ..6 I. :which normally hold' the member. 3 5 in a relatively fixed position; The preloaded re:- silient means" may take the form of: a. coil spring 60 compressed to apredet'erminedvalue' andconfined" afterv calibration betweenv the inner- -surface of the outer race of the bearing member 56 and the shoulder-62 formed on'the support 58.

The bearing member 56 is retained in thesupport 5B byv a suitable collar 63' fixed; thereto by screws 65'. The. diameter of theiprecalibrat'ed coil spring issuch thatithesame is capable of accommodating another preloaded resilient member such as direction. I

a coil spring Bl which is retained after calibration in its preloadedcondition against theinner race of the bearing member 56' and the threaded nuts 64 and 66 locked in position on the driven member 35.. The bearing 56 has a sliding fit with the'reduced portion ofthe driven member 35in one direction andis movable in the opposite'di rection with' the driven member through the shoulder 55'.-. The member35 is formed with an inclined connection for convertingits rotary motion-into a linear motion This connection may take the form ofa jack-screw section 68 thereon withwhich. is in threaded engagement the non-rotatable threaded member or-rec'iprocating nut l0 which: constitutes an output or load-moving member. The member Til is provided withsuitv able means such as the projecting arm T4--adapted to carryior be connected to any suitable load such as is shown'diagrainmatically by a weight 80': This weight may correspond to any component part of automotivevehicles or aircraft movable or operable between selected positions. The limits of'the allowable travel are diagrammaticallydefinedb'y the spaced members 82; and Bi l" fixedly secured to the support 29 by suitable means. As particularly shown in Fig. I, the stop member 84 is formed with an aperture to allowthe free passagewof the threaded section 68, and the member 82 is provided with a bearing to accommodate the reducedportionofthe driven memberf35, thereby permitting the retary and longitudinal movement of the driven member with respect tothe stop members.

The outputor load-moving member 'm'has fixed thereto another arm 1| havingits-outerend 13 in engagement with-a vertical groove or chan to and prevents the transmission of rotary-motion to-the load; so that the sameis moved in a linear In order toprovide a means to attach theselfcontained unit. of A theinvention to any. com- Donent part of antautomotive: vehicle .opaircrafit;

inclined.connectionbetweenl-the sleeve 40; and. the driven memben35 for movinga -longitudinally' the an attaching bracket 891providedwith' suitable apertures 90 and 92 located in vertical and .horizontal planes so as to permitxthe device to be used for: lowering or raising a load such as a window pane and opening and closing 'a closure or members requiring a linear-movement in a vertical direction or plane between selected positions or sliding a door or member adapted'to be moved horizontally between selected positions.

Fromthe foregoing it can be, seen that the operation of the embodiment shown in Figs. I to III may be summarized as follows: with the motorrever'sing switch blade 16 connected, as illustrated in Fig. I, the motor shaft 23 will be rotated in a counter-clockwise direction imparting movement to the belt 29 in the direction indicated bythe arrow. This will cause the clutch energizing, member 45to have its driving surface 48in engagement withthe inner surface of the spring projecting tab 38 and the upper end of the slot 43 into contact with the pin 42 carried by the driven member 35, as is particularly shown in Fig. I. After the initial contact is established between driving surface 48 and-the spring-pro jecting tab 38, the self-clutching or-snubbing action of the spring takes place. This action takes place due to the frictional engagement of the convolutions of the spring clutch 3f with the clutching surface 31 cooperating therewith which is carried by the driven member 35, this establishing a positive driving connection between the driving and .driven members and moving the driven member in a counter-clockwise direction. The movement of the driving member in a counter-clockwise direction is manifested in this form ,of the invention in a downwardly direction by the movement of the output or load-moving member 70 lowering the weight 80 until the output member T- reaches the limit of its travel as defined by member 84. When the load or weight 80 reaches the end of its allowable travel, the output or load-moving member will be in engagement with the stop member 84 opposing further longitudinal movement thereof and the same will cause the driven member 35 to move in an upward direction'moving the bearing member 56 in the same direction against the forced action of the preloaded spring 60 and moving the end of the spring tab 38 out of contacting engagement with the driving surface 48. When such position of the parts takes place, the load-moving member will be held in position against the stop member 84 under the preloaded value of the spring 60 even though the positive driving connection between the driven and driving members has been discontinued. When the driving surface 43 is out of engagement with the spring tab 38,.the driving member has a period of freerotation until the surface 48 is placed in engagement with the outer surface of the coil spring projecting tab 39 causing the self-clutching action of the spring to be stopped by driving the spring in a non-snubbing relation. This will stop the driving connection between thedriving and driven member and permit free rotary movement of the motor.

vIf the operator desires to raise the Weight 80 or move the load in the opposite direction, that is, returning it to its original position, it will only be necessary to move the switch blade l6 into contacting engagement with, the motor field terminal it. to rotate clockwise moving the belt 29 in a direction opposite to that shown by the arrow, therebyrrotating the'drivingwmember 24 also clockthe inner face of the spring clutch tab 39.

This connection will cause the motor wise; The clockwise rotation of the driving member 24 will cause the driving surface 48 of theclutch-energizing member 45 to move out of contact with the spring clutch tab 38 moving its 7 driving surface 49 into initial engagement with This initial engagement will impart motion to the sleeve 40 in a clockwise direction until the lower endof the/slot 43 is in contact with the pin 42. The parts will be in the position shown in Fig.

'II. By this arrangement, the motor shaft or power member 23 will be provided with a freerunning period before moving the load by member 35.

The free-running,period'permits the motor to attain high velocity, adding thereby to its break-,- away torque the kinetic energy stored during such running period, so that the motor has an added torque to pick up and move the load in the opposite direction, overcoming thereby any preloading of the spring members.

With the parts in engagement, as shown in Fig. II, and after the initial contact is established, the rotation of the driving member in a clockwise direction will cause the self-clutching or snubbing action of the spring 36 to take place by moving the spring tab 39 in a clockwise direction and causing the convolutions to tightly grip the clutching surface 31 carried by the driven member 35, thus establishing a positive driving connection between the driving and driven member and moving the driven member 35 in a clockwise direction.

With the driving member 35 rotating in a clockwise direction, the load-moving member 10, by means of the left-hand screw thread connection with member 35 will remain stationary until the bearing member 56 has moved downwardly to unload the spring60 and then will raise the weight until the same reaches the limit of its allowable travel, as defined by stop element 82, whereby further rotary movement will load said threaded connection to cause the driven member 35 to move in a downward direction against the preloading of the spring 6|, moving the shoulder 55 out of contacting engagement with the bearing member 56 and, in turn, sliding the clutch spring tab 39 out of driving relation with the lower portion of the driving surface 49. When such disengagement takes place, the load-moving member 70 will be held against the stop member 82 and the load carried thereby or weight 80 will be retained in position under the preloaded value of the spring Bl even though the positive driving connection between the driving anddriven members has been discontinued by the disengagement of the'spring tab 39 with the driving surface 49. The disengagement of the spring tab 39 by the surface 49 will permit the motor to rotate freely until driving surface 49 is placed into engagement with the outerface of the projecting tab 38stopping the snubbing-or self-'-clutching action of the spring and driving the same in a non-snubbing or nonclutching relation of the convolutions with clutch surface 3'! permitting the motor to rotate substantially under no load.

It can be seen from the foregoing that when the load reaches the limits of its allowable travel, or meets an obstruction in its movement thereto, jamming of the threaded connection is overcome as the load transmitted thereto is dependent entirely upon the preloaded values of the resilient member 60 or 6|.

Moreover, it should be noted that when the resistance to the moveme of the 'load-vmovin member or; to the load itself. increases; tov an" mergers:

preloa'ding values of thespring means which op- 1 pose therelative movement-of the driven. mem

bet with respect to thedriving members fully control the moving force to actuate the load, and

it is to be understoodthat' such values may differ or be the same if desired. V

Inthe form of the inventionshown in Fig. IV, the arrangement of the, principal elements of the invention to secure the ,drivingconnecti'on. of the self-clutchingspring in either direction of rotation is substantially the same as shown in Figs. I and II. -However, the motor shaft I23 of the reversible motor has directly connected thereto the clutch energizing member and the circuit connections for securing the reversal of its rotation is obtained by means of a conventional double throw double pole switch I I 6 which serves to reverse the field connections of the motor to obtain the rotation of themotor in eitherdire'ction as is" well known in the art.

In the form .of thei-nvention' illustrated in-p Fig. IV, the driven member I35 is providedwith' a worm section I68 foractuating' the worm gear 7 I10 mounted in cooperative relation thereto and adapted to transmit, by means of a suitable-belt I15, a predetermined torque for either direction.

The arrangement of the driven member I with respect to the driving member or clutchenergizing element I is such that relativelongitudinal movement may take place when the motor is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction to rotate the worm gear I10 for moving the belt I115 in the direction of the arrow, as the reaction to the transmission of torqueis such that when the torque increases over a predetermined amount, the driven member 135 .is moved 1ongi-. tudinally to the left against the opposing force of the preloaded inner spring I6I causing the disengagement of the driving surface I48 with the spring tab I38 in a similar manner as hereinbefore described in connection with the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fig. I. When such action takes place, theworm gear I10 and, in turn, the load driven by the belt I15 is retained or held in positionunder the force of the preloaded spring IBI even though the driving connection between the motor and driven member I35 has been discontinued. The functional operation thereafter for permitting the motor to run under practically no-load is substantially the same as hereinbeforedescribed in connection with the embodiment shown in Fig. I.

In case the operator desires to actuate a load in the opposite direction, or transmit torque in load. due in large; extentatoi the :.relatively. ,srnall transverse dimension. of: the. tubular section .of-

the. spring; clutch. engaging :element 1:45, also present. in. this form; of thefi-nventiongand also] to the free eftectiveprotary motion of. the sleeve} I411: caused: by the means responsive to;-Jthe. direction of rotation such as the pinand slot connedti0n"iI-4:2= -I'43.1 This free-running period-gives the:motorian. opportunityu'to build up -kinetic energy which aids the motortorgue; in overcom..; ingftheqstatic load .and the unloading of, the; spring Idil: to bring back-to neutral position the wormgsection 51268 once theclockwise drivingrela'e I tion has been established by thegself-clutching,

action of thelclutch I36. I

When 'tlievclockwise drivingrelation has been fully-established andafter the worm section I68 .has been moved to: neutral, centralposition,

the belt 115 will act as means-to vtransmit torque in. an opposite :directionthan {that shown by: the arrow of Fig. Ivan-d drive a load; providing a predetermined torque. Opposition ito the, movement of ithelbelt I15. in such direction will be manifested by a reactive force tending to move the-worm section I68 ofmember I35 towards, the right in opposition to :theiforceoffered by the spring I6Il==through+the thrust;bearing-I56 to the stop washer .I-511Z-of;member 135. When" the opposition to itheimovementof the belt I15 driving surface of-rtheidriving member I45.

The slidingj actionuof the spring ,tab I-39- out' '1 I of engagement with its cooperating driving surface will discontinue the self-clutching action of the spring clutch I36 and --interrupt thedrivi'ng' connection between the m0torand 'thedriven 3 member I35 placingttheload as :well as theworm gear I10 ,'underthe..-preloaded. value or force of the spring I60. I It-can be seen that, in this form of the inventionr'the samebasic principles incorporated in the embodiment-,shown-in Fig.

I are utilized to secure-the "transmission'of the predetermined torque, irrespective of the direction of rotation of the-:driving motor'orpower to limit and govern theiamountof torque.trans-' mittedfrom the motor by the worm gear I1!) to actuate anyrotatable load or mechanism.

' In the embodiment of therinvention shown-in Fig. V, the main principles ,hereinbefore outlined,

I as incorporated in the form=ofthe invention another direction than the one hereinbefore described, the electric motor field is energized, so

that the motor shaft rotates in a clockwise direc-- tion moving the elements of the driving connec-' tion to the positions best shown in Fig. II, where- 'in the belt I15 will be moved'in an opposite direction than the one indicated by thearrow.

l he .change of the parts from the position shown in Fig. I to the position shown in Fig. II, which also takes-place in the form of the invention shown in Fig. IV when the direction of rotaition of the motor is changed from counter-clock to clockwise direction by the proper manipula tion of the reversing switch, provides the motor with a free-runnin period before picking up full shown in Fig. IV, are also manifested. --However; F

is effective when the motor is rotated in a clockwise direction.

In the formof the invention shown in Fig. V, the .motor'rotates only in a counter-clockwise .direction when energized moving the belt I15 in ithedirection of the arrow and, therefore, the

the requirements of the prior art.

the driven member 235 to the left inopposition to the force of the preloaded spring 26l confined between bearing 256 and shoulder'or stop washer 255' andthereby serves-to transmit a torque in a counter-clockwise di-' predetermined rection; 7 r

However, when the reactive force on the worm l 268 increases over the opposing preloaded value of the spring 26!, which ,may be caused by'a greater opposition to the movement' -of belt 215,

the worm section 268 moves to the left the driven member 235 causing the disengagement of the spring clutch tab 238 with the driving surface 2 38 and thereby interruptingthe-driving relation between themotor and the drivenmember 235. 'When the driving' relati'on-is interrupted,

the wormgear'flll' actuated'by the worm section 288 and, inturn',the'load-driven by the 'belt 215 is'held'in position under the force'of the power is disconnected I from the motor. The function of the spring'clutch for permitting the motor to, run under practically no load is' the same as before described in connection'with the other forms ofthe invention. I

'It shouldbe noted that'allthe embodiments of the invention; "and particularly the forms shown in Figs. I and IVare' highly adaptable for use with devices which are locked after the samereach one pos'itionbyjthe'use of the conventional lock and key, such as garage' doors and other types of closures; becauseyby'the use of v the mechanism ofthe invention, such conventional locking means can be dispensed with. This is accomplished on account of the factthat when the load, such as a garage door, reachesthe limits of its allowable travel, such as'the door jamb, the reaction of the load on the loademoving member willinterrup't'the driving connection of the'power shaft with the load actuating or driven member and thereafter retain the load in such position in the preloaded values of the resilient means, as has hereinbefore been' described.

It isto be understood that the above detailed description of the present invention is intended to disclosef an embodiment thereof to those skilled in the art, but that the invention is not preload of spring 26! irre pective of'whenthe' to be construed as limitedin its application to l the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of being'practiced in either direction, a driven member operated by said driving member for actuating a load, a coil spring having 'convolutions normally in slight frictional engagement with'one of said members with each of its ends freely proiecting therefrom; spring-energizing means associated with the other member for engaging eitherof the freely projecting ends of said coil spring, andmeans responsive to the direction of rotation of the driving member including an-inclined torque-transmitting connection providing limited rotary and lon itudinal movement betweensaid coil spring and energizing means to cause said energizing 'means to selectively engage the freely'projecting connection vis established between the driving 1 and driven members irrespective of the direction of'rotation of the driving member.

2. In combination, a driving member, a driven member-operated by said driving member for actuating the load and, axially movable with respect to the driving member by the load reaction, a coil spring clutch'm'ounted for clutching and de-clutching engagement with one of said members, energizing meansflfor said coil springcarriedby and functioning in response to the operation of the otherv of said memberslsaid coil spring and energizing means having portions in engagement and arranged for relative axial movement therebetweenwhereby when the same are placed in one relation clutching engagement of the spring is established effecting 'a positive driving connection. between said members and when another relationship takes place due, to axial relative movement. the de-clutching action of said spring occurs interrupting said driving connection, and load-sensitive resilient means connected to the driven member to resist the load reaction and operable to'permitthe'axial movement of the driven member when the load exceeds a predetermined amount to cause relative axial movement between said spring and energizing means whereby their relationship is changed from the clutching to the de-clutching action of the spring. v

3. A load actuating mechanism comprising a reversible electric motor, a member connected to a load for moving the load to and from selected positions, clutching means for driving by the electric motor'the load movin member, an axially slidable element operable by load reaction forming-a part of said clutching means, a load-sensitive spring means preloaded to predetermined values connected to said slidable element for opposing the-sliding axial movement of said element, said spring means operable to permit the sliding axial movement of said element when the resistanceto the movement of said load reaches the preloading values of said spring means in either direction to'stop the driving by the electric motor of the load moving member by rendering ineffective said clutching means, the loadsensitive means operate through the load moving member when the clutching means are ineffective to retain the load under such spring means preloaded value irrespective of when the reversible electric motor is disconnected, and

means providing the motor with a free-running period before the motor is loaded thereby permitting the motor to attain more momentum be; fore taking up the load.

4. A power operated load actuator comprising a power operated rotatable driving member, a driven member actuated by said driving member and axially movable with respectthereto by load reaction, means associated with the driven member for converting rotary movement for moving a loadv to and from a selected position into linear movement, a spirally wound spring interposed between said driving and driven members, said spring having free ends with several convolutionsv in a slight frictional engagementwith one of the members to produce the self clutching engagement between said members when one of its free ends is engaged by the other member, and load-sensitive resilient means connected to the driven member to normally opposin its axial clutching surface. 4 I r 6. A power operated load actuator comprising a power operated driving member rotatable in,

movement and operable to permit on overloads said axial movement to stop the-self clutching engagement of the spring byinterrupting the engagement of the free endvof the spring and member to permit free rotary movement of the driving member.

5. A load actuator comprising a driving member, a driven member .operableby the driving member for actuating a load and axially movable by load reaction with respect to the driving member, one of said members'being provided with an element having a clutching surface, a helical clutch spring carried by said clutch'surface by having its convolutions in contact therewith for ment to interrupt the driving connection between the driving and'driven member by causing the declutching actionof the; spring with said .either direction, a driven member adapted to be rotated by said driving member and axially movable with respect thereto by load reaction, a threaded connection in cooperative relation with the driven member for converting rotary movement into linear movement for moving a load, a snubbing spring clutch interposed between "said members operable to produce a positive driving connection therebetween-irrespective of the direction of rotation of said driving'member, and spring means compressible to allow the axial movement of the driven member to stop the driving connection between said members when the "load on said threaded connection exceeds a predetermined value and thereafter permits free rotary movement of the driving member preventing the jamming of said threaded connection.

' 7. A load actuating mechanism comprising a reversible electric motor, a longitudinally movable driven screw shaft, a clutching connection of said shaft and the electric motor for causing the rotation of the shaft in eitherfdirection, a non-rotatable nut having threaded connection with said shaft for converting rotary movement of the shaft into linear movement for moving a load to and from a selected position, and loads'ensitive resilient means connected to said shaft being operable whenthe force on the threaded connection due to resistance to the linear movement of the load exceeds different predetermined values for either directions to allowflsaid screw shaft to move longitudinally and thereby stop the clutching connection of the shaft with .the motor preventing thread jamming and abruptly interrupting further movement of said load irre- 'spective of when the'electric motor is stopped. f

8. In combination, areversible power operated rotatable driving member, a driven member actuated by said driving member for transmitting a predetermined torque in either-direction and axially movable by load reaction,,a spirally wound spring interposed between said tdriving. and driven members, said spring havingcon volutions in a slight frictional engagement with one of the members and with its ends being free for receiving rotary force from the other-member to produce the self clutching engagement f between said members, and-load-sensitive spring means having an adjustable connection with the driven member adapted to bef fiexed toallow" member when the resistance to the transmission.

of torque exceeds different predetermined values secured by manipulation of said adjustable con= nection for either direction of rotation. a v r 9. In combination, a driving member, an ou tlput member adapted tobe operated by the driving member for actuating a load and axially mov,. able by load reaction with respect, to the driving member, a clutch surface provided withone of said members, a helical spring, operativelycone nected to said clutch surface by-havingj'someof its convolutions in surface contact therewith and with its ends being free and projecting radially toeffect frictional clutching and. de-clutchingv engagement with said clutch surface respectively,

energizing means for said spring clutch carried;

by the other member for engagement with the projecting end of said spring which establishes v clutching engagement with said clutch surface toeffect a positive driving connection. between said members, a fixed support, and load-sensitive resilient means interposed between said; support and output member to resist axial movement of the output member under normal load reaction, said load-sensitive resilient means having a predetermined value for flexing when the load execeeds a predetermined amount to permit axial movement of the output member causing said springenergizing meansto engage the projecting end of the spring which establishes the declutching action to stop movement ofthe load and the said load-sensitive means concurrently operating on the load" output member to hold the load in a fixed position under the predetermined fiexing value of said load-sensitive resilient. means. 1 a

10. In combination, a driving member rotatable in either direction, a driven member operated by said driving member for actuating a load, a clutch surface, an inclined torque-transmitting connection between said surface and one of said members providinglimited axial movement of saidv said energizer functioning in response to the acv tion of said inclined connection :to engage the projecting end of said spring which produces the clutching engagement between said spring and surface to establish a driving connection between the driving and driven members irrespective 'of the directionof rotationlof the driving-member.

11. In combination, a driving member, a driven member adapted to .be operated by 'thedriving member for actuating a load and axially movable by load reaction with .respect to the driving member, a clutch surface on the vdrivenmember.

aclutch spring operatively connected to said clutch surface by having some of its convolutions in surface contact therewith and with itsends extending freely and projecting radially to effect frictional clutching and de-clutching engagement with said clutch surface respectively, energizing means concentric with said clutch spring carried by the driving memberforengagement 'with'the projecting end of said spring which established clutching engagement with said clutch surface to effect a positive driving connection between said members, a fixed support, and load sensitive compressible means on the support and being connected to the driven member to resist its axial movement under normal load reaction, said load-sensitive means having a predetermined compression value and adapted to be compressed when the load reaction exceeds a predetermined amount to permit axial movement of the driven member for moving the clutch spring causing the freely projecting end which establishes the de-clutching action to be engaged by the ener gizing means to stop movement and the said load-sensitive means simultaneously operating through the driven member to hold the load in a'fixed positionunder the predetermined compression value of said load-sensitive compressible means. 1

1 12. A load actuator comprising a reversible rotatable driving member, an output member for reciprocating a load being coaxial with the driving member and axially movable by load reaction with respect thereto, means coacting with both members to establish a driving connection therebetween which is interrupted 'for either direction upon axial movement of the output member, a stationary support carrying the output member for rotary and axialmovement, aplurality of yield ng means surrounding a section of the output member and-connected at their ends to said support and output member, each of said yielding means preset to a value that normally Opposing the saidaxial movement ofthe driven member, said resilient means operable when the torque reaction exceeds a predetermined value to permit the said axial movement of the driven member to thereby render the fric-' tional clutching action of said clutchmeans in"-' effectivaand the said resilient means functioning when the torque reaction is decreased to said predetermined value to automatically return the driven member to its normal position to thereby reestablish the frictional clutching action of said clutch means. I l

14. A power operated load actuator comprising a rotatable reversible driving member, a driven member adapted: to be rotated by the drivingmember in either direction for operating a load and being axially movable with respect thereto with a load carrying section axially spaced, ro-

allows axial movement of said output member when the load reaction exceeds a preset amount in either direction for interrupting the driving reaction, a clutch surface carried by the driven membeij-friction clutch means mounted on said clutch surface, means associated with said clutch means arranged in axially spaced relation forming an unloading clutch producing end and a load carrying end, energizing means for said clutch means carried for rotation with the driving member for engaging only the load carrying end of the clutch means to produce the frictional clutching action on said clutch surface to eiiectthereby a torque transmission driving connection between the members, the axial movement of the driven member causing the disengagement of the load carrying end of the clutch means from the energizing means and thereafter the engagement of its unloading end With-the energizing means, and resilient means interposed between the driven member and its supporting means Ill) tatable-means'operated by'the driving member for rotating said clutch means and causing the axial displacement of .said' clutch surface for the selectedengagement of said rotatable means sole-i 7 ly With theload carrying section of said clutch means to produce its driving engagement with said clutch-surface to effect a driving'connection between the members, and resilient means normally opposing axial movement of the driven member, said resilient means being operable to permit the axial movement of the driven'member caused by load reaction upon the impositionof overloads to axiallyrshift the clutch means while in driving engagement with the clutch surface to effect the disengagement of the load carrying section withsaid' rotatable means and theengagement of the said rotatable means'with the clutch means unloading section to thereby stop the driving'connection between the members and thereafter permit thefree rotary movement ofpression springs for opposing the rearward axial movement of the rotatable member in .either direction, each of said compression springs having one end in engagement with said supporting means, adjustable connections between the other end of each of said springs and saidrotatable member whereby each one of the compressible springs is provided with a predetermined preloaded value to resist the axial movement for either direction of the rotatable member under normal load reaction and permit its axial rearward movement when an overload takes place,

' power means for rotating the rotatable member,

transmission means operable'to establish a driv-' ing connection between the power means and said rotatable member, an element of said transmission means being axially slidable for rendering ineflective said transmission means, means func tioning upon a predetermined degree of axial movement 'of the rotatable member due to load reaction toimpart axial sliding motion to the by stop the driving connection'between the r tatablemember and the power means preventing thread jamming between the threaded members element of said transmission means for rendering the transmission means inefiective to thereand permitting thereafter free'rotary movement movement, load-sensitive compressible means having one end in engagement with said sup-.- porting means, anoperable connection between the other end of said compressible'means and said second member to provide a predetermined preloaded value to said'load -sensitive means to resist axial movement of the second member under normal load reaction and permit said axial movement when an overload takes place, power operating means for rotating said second mema predetermined degree of sliding axial movement of the second member to cause the disengagement of the power means with the loadcarrying end and the engagement of the power means with the unloading end of said torque transmitting means to interrupt said'driving connection when an overload takes place, the said compressible means acting through said, first threaded member to retain the load in a fixed position under their predetermined preloaded value when said driving connection is interrupted, and said load sensitive compressible means functioning to automatically returnthe second threaded member to its normal position when the overload is removed for reestablishing the said driving connection irrespective of when the power means stops.

20 ward direction by load reaction, means for supporting said second member for rotary and axial her, torque-transmitting means located between V the power means and the second member having JAMES MARK LAUNDER. 1

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,163,799 Winkley Dec. 14, 1915 1,186,188 Hely June 6, 1916 1,829,249 Von Beulwitz Oct. 27, 1931 1,954,620 Connell Apr. 10, 1934 1,966,267 Starkey July 10, 1934 2,052,152 Webb Aug. 25, 1936 2,174,342 Grenlich Sept. 26, 1939 2,214,487 Starkey Sept.l0, 1940 2,360,187 Almen Oct. 10, 1944' 2,391,470 May Dec. 25, 1945' 2,407,537 Chapman 4 Sept. 10,1946

FOREIGN PATENTS Number 7 Country Date 158,770 Germany Mar. 7, 1905 

